Solving an Electrical Problem

An electrician will tell you that an overloaded circuit is an unsafe circuit. Among the risks that come with a circuit overloading are electrical shock, damage to plugged-in appliances, and increased risk of an electrical fire.

Signs of an Overloaded Circuit

You don't necessarily need an electrician to tell you you are overloading your circuits as the signs are rather hard-to-miss. The most common among these signs include the following.

1. Breakers Constantly Tripping

Circuit breakers are designed to trip, and by so doing, cut off power when the circuit they are a part of becomes overloaded. If your breakers are always tripping, then you should know you are trying to get more from the circuit than its capacity.

2. Burning Smell

Overloading the circuit will generate a lot of heat. This heat will burn through the wires and other components of your circuit, resulting in that strong burning smell.

3. Scorch Marks

In addition to the burning smell, the heat generated by an overloaded circuit can cause discoloration or scorch marks around your electrical outlets. 

Preventing Circuit Overloading

Looking at the potential consequences outlined above, it is clear to see why you should prevent circuit overloading. 

1. Know Your Circuits

If you know what circuits can handle, then you will know better than to overload them. This is usually the case when you find yourself using outlet extensions or power strips to plug in more devices or appliances into one outlet. As convenient as power strips are, don't use them to exceed your circuit's capacity. Your electrician can tell you the maximum rated capacity of your circuits.

2. Install Dedicated Outlets

Appliances and electrical devices with a larger power consumption should have their own dedicated outlets. Your electrician can guide you on which among your appliances should be plugged into a dedicated outlet and install these circuits for you. Space heaters, furnaces, electric dryers, and washers are among the devices that should have their own dedicated circuits. 

3. Install Breakers and Upgrade System

If your home's electrical system does not have functional circuit breakers installed, you should waste no time getting an electrician around for the job. If your current system doesn't fully meet your needs, your electrician should upgrade it and add to its capacity.

A Job for Professionals

For your own safety and to ensure compliance with code, avoid DIY electrical work. Get in touch with a professional electrician to upgrade your system, wire dedicated circuits, and install protection to prevent circuit overloading.

For more information, contact a local electrician today.